Investigating diffusion MRI biomarkers in the brain of adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Motivation: This study aims to enhance the physiological understanding of ADHD, a condition that is prevalent and difficult to quantify. Goal(s): To investigate white matter microstructural differences between neurotypicals (NT) and individuals with ADHD. Approach: This study employs tract-based spatial statistics and personalized tractography to analyze differences between ADHD and NT groups. Results: The study found significant alterations in white matter microstructure in individuals with ADHD, particularly in the left hemisphere, with lower fractional anisotropy and higher mean and radial diffusivity in tracts associated with cognitive functions like attention and executive control. Impact: These findings highlight the potential for diffusion MRI to provide a more detailed, neurobiologically grounded approach to ADHD diagnosis, which could lead to earlier and more targeted interventions, improving long-term outcomes for affected individuals.